Private Tour
7 Days Erta Ale Volcano Rock Adventure
Overview
Available languages
1 week
Mobile ticket
Embark on a 7-day adventure through Ethiopia’s most dramatic landscapes and ancient treasures. Witness the molten lava of Erta Ale Volcano, explore the otherworldly Dallol salt flats, and trek to cliffside Tigray rock-hewn churches. Conclude in historic Axum, the legendary Aksumite capital, for a journey that blends natural wonders with rich cultural heritage.
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Day 1: Addis Ababa – Samara – Erta Ale Volcano
Addis Ababa
Early morning flight from Addis Ababa to Samara. Upon arrival, drive 5–6 hours to the Erta Ale campsite. In the evening, hike about 40 minutes to the volcano’s summit to witness the dramatic lava lake and glowing rock formations. After sunset, return to the campsite for overnight.
Day 2: Erta Ale – Hamed Ela | Salt Lake Sunset
Erta Ale
After breakfast, drive around 3 hours to Hamed Ela. After lunch and rest, take a short drive to the salt lake in the late afternoon. Enjoy the surreal sunset views and observe salt workers in the desert. Return to the campsite for overnight.
Day 3: Dallol Excursion – Drive to Mekelle
Dalol
Morning visit to the otherworldly landscapes of Dallol, with its colorful mineral deposits, salt mountains, bubbling hot springs, and traditional salt mining fields. After the visit, return to the campsite for lunch, then continue driving about 4 hours to Mekelle. Overnight in Mekelle.
Day 4: Mekelle – Hawzen | Tigray Churches
Hawzen
Drive from Mekelle toward Hawzen, stopping to explore the historic Abreha we Atsbeha Church and Abune Abraham Debre Tsion, both remarkable examples of early rock-hewn Christian architecture. Continue to Hawzen for overnight.
Day 5: Abune Yemata Guh & Maryam Korkor
Hawzen
After breakfast, trek to the famous Abune Yemata Guh, perched high on a cliff with breathtaking views. Later, visit Maryam Korkor Church, another masterpiece of Tigray’s rock churches. Overnight in Hawzen.
Day 6: Hawzen – Axum | Ancient City Tour
Axum
Drive from Hawzen to Axum, the ancient capital of the Aksumite Kingdom. After check-in at your hotel, start exploring Axum’s archaeological and religious treasures, including obelisks, tombs, and ancient churches. Overnight in Axum.
Axum – Addis Ababa | Departure
Addis Ababa
After breakfast, continue your Axum city tour, visiting the remaining historical sites such as St. Mary of Zion Church and the Ark of the Covenant chapel (view from outside). In the late afternoon, fly back to Addis Ababa – end of tour.
What‘s Included
Local guides for tours and trekking
6 day Accommodation with breakfast,
Safety equipment for Erta Ale hike
All ground transportation with a professional driver
Entrance fees to sites and village visits
Domestic and international flights,
Lunch and dinner unless specified,
travel insurance, tips, personal expenses, souvenirs,
Pickup points
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7 Days Erta Ale Volcano Rock Adventure
Pickup included
Related Experiences
Operated by Omo Valley Experience Tours